6 Best Earplugs For Sleeping In A Tent Comfortable for Side Sleepers
Get restful sleep in your tent. We review the top 6 earplugs designed for side-sleeper comfort, blocking out nature’s noise without painful pressure.
It’s 2 a.m. on a high ridgeline, and the wind is absolutely hammering your tent, making the rainfly sound like a snare drum. Or maybe you’re at a popular state park campground, and your neighbor two sites over has decided to share their impressive snoring with the entire forest. A good night’s sleep can be the difference between a fantastic next day on the trail and a miserable, zombie-like slog, which is why a simple pair of earplugs is one of the most underrated pieces of backcountry gear.
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Why Side Sleepers Need Low-Profile Earplugs
If you sleep on your side, you know the problem. You roll over, press your ear into your inflatable pillow, and the hard plastic stem of a standard earplug digs directly into your ear canal. It’s a sharp, persistent pressure that makes sleep impossible, completely defeating the purpose of wearing them in the first place.
This is why "low-profile" is the most important feature for any side sleeper. You need an earplug that sits flush with your outer ear, with no hard components sticking out. When you press your head against your pillow or a balled-up fleece jacket, you shouldn’t feel the earplug at all. It’s a simple concept, but one that makes or breaks your ability to get restorative rest in the backcountry.
Mack’s Ultra Soft: Top Comfort for Foam Fans
For many backpackers, this is the gold standard for a reason. Mack’s Ultra Soft foam earplugs are cheap, lightweight, and incredibly effective. Their secret is the low-pressure foam that, when properly rolled and inserted, expands slowly to create a snug, comfortable seal without feeling like it’s trying to push its way out of your ear.
Because they are so soft and malleable, they compress well and tend to sit deep and flush in the ear canal. This makes them a fantastic choice for side sleepers who don’t want to feel any pressure points. The tradeoff is that they are disposable. For a weekend trip, that’s no big deal, but for a thru-hike on the Pacific Crest Trail, you’ll be carrying a small supply and creating waste along the way.
Loop Quiet: Reusable and Discreet for Side Sleep
If the idea of throwing away foam every morning doesn’t sit right with you, a reusable silicone option like Loop Quiet is an excellent alternative. These earplugs are designed with a unique ring shape that tucks neatly inside the concha (the bowl-shaped part) of your ear. There’s no stem or long tail sticking out, making them one of the most discreet and comfortable options for side sleeping.
The soft, flexible silicone provides a solid seal against noise without the internal pressure some people dislike from expanding foam. They come with a small carrying case, making them easy to keep clean and track of in a crowded tent. The main consideration is the higher upfront cost, but for a long-distance hiker or frequent camper, the investment pays for itself by eliminating the need to constantly buy disposables. Just remember to clean them regularly to keep them hygienic on the trail.
Mack’s Pillow Soft for No-Pressure Canal Sealing
Some people just can’t stand the feeling of anything inside their ear canal. For them, moldable silicone putty earplugs are a game-changer. Instead of being inserted, you warm a small ball of the putty in your hands and then press it over the opening of your ear canal, creating a custom-molded external seal.
This design is a side sleeper’s dream because it’s completely flat and exerts zero pressure inside the ear. It’s particularly effective at blocking the high-frequency "hiss" of wind against a tent wall or the pitter-patter of rain. The downside is they can be less effective against deep, low-frequency sounds like rumbling snores. They also tend to pick up lint and dirt, so you’ll need to replace them every few nights to keep things clean.
Howard Leight MAX-1 for Maximum Noise Reduction
Sometimes, you’re not just dealing with wind; you’re in a crowded Appalachian Trail shelter with a symphony of snores, rustling sleeping bags, and late-night whispers. In these situations, you need maximum firepower. The Howard Leight MAX-1 earplugs boast one of the highest Noise Reduction Ratings (NRR) available in a disposable foam plug.
Their distinctive bell shape is designed to prevent the earplug from being inserted too deeply while still creating an exceptional seal. For side sleepers, this can be a mixed bag. The foam is soft, but the flared end might protrude slightly more than other models for some ear shapes. This is a classic gear tradeoff: you might sacrifice a tiny bit of side-sleeping comfort for a significant gain in noise-blocking power. They are an excellent choice for the absolute loudest environments.
Eargasm Squishies for a Secure, Moldable Fit
Another fantastic option in the moldable silicone putty category, Eargasm Squishies offer a secure and waterproof seal. Like other putty plugs, they avoid the "stuffed" feeling of in-canal options, which is a major win for sensitive sleepers. You simply mold the putty to cover your ear opening for a custom, low-profile fit that won’t budge, even if you toss and turn.
These are particularly great for damp or humid conditions, as the waterproof seal can help keep moisture out of the ear. For side sleepers, the benefit is the same as other putty plugs—no hard parts to dig into your ear cartilage. They are a solid, reliable choice for anyone who prioritizes a secure, no-pressure fit over the absolute highest level of noise cancellation.
Decibullz: A Custom-Molded Backcountry Solution
For the dedicated backpacker or thru-hiker who has tried everything and still struggles with fit, a custom-molded solution might be the answer. Decibullz allows you to create a perfectly fitted earplug at home using just hot water. You heat the thermoplastic molds, let them cool slightly, and then shape them to the exact contours of your ear.
The result is a reusable earplug with an unparalleled secure, low-profile fit that simply will not fall out. Because it’s molded to you, there are no pressure points, making it ideal for side sleeping. The major tradeoffs are cost and effort. They are significantly more expensive than other options, and the initial molding process requires some patience. But for someone heading out on a multi-month expedition, the promise of a perfect fit every single night can be well worth it.
Choosing Your Earplugs: NRR, Material, and Fit
Don’t get bogged down in analysis paralysis. Choosing the right earplug comes down to balancing three key factors for your specific needs. Think about what annoys you most when you’re trying to sleep in the wild.
- Noise Reduction Rating (NRR): This is a measure of how much sound is blocked, in decibels. A higher number means more noise reduction. An NRR of 33 dB (like many foam plugs) is top-tier, while an NRR around 22-27 dB (common for silicone) is still very effective for most camping noises. If you’re a light sleeper in a noisy environment, prioritize a high NRR.
- Material: This dictates comfort, reusability, and feel. Foam is cheap, has a high NRR, and is disposable. Reusable silicone is more sustainable and avoids the "stuffed ear" feeling. Moldable putty is king for avoiding any in-canal pressure.
- Fit: This is the most personal factor. Your ear anatomy is unique. The only way to know what works is to try a few. Start with an inexpensive variety pack of foam plugs or a single pair of moldable putty plugs to discover what feels best when you’re lying on your side.
Ultimately, the best earplugs are the ones you’ll actually bring and use. A good night’s rest is a tool that enables bigger adventures, but it’s not the adventure itself. So grab a pair, throw them in your ditty bag, and get outside. A quiet night under the stars—or a quiet night despite the snoring—is waiting.
